After suffering heartbreak in Paarl last year with a 25-10 defeat, the Free State powerhouse were determined to set the record straight, despite a few late injury setbacks. They did so with a performance built on discipline, physical dominance and determination when it mattered most.

At the heart of Grey’s victory was flyhalf Christoff Crous, who controlled proceedings superbly with his calm decision-making and sharp game management. The pivot not only steered his side around the park with maturity beyond his years but also crossed for a crucial try and added three conversions to finish with an 11-point contribution.

Xander de Beer scoring his second try late in the game to seal the win for Grey. Photo: Morgan Piek

Grey made their intentions clear from the outset by repeatedly turning down shots at goal in favour of attacking lineouts. It proved to be a masterstroke as their driving maul became a nightmare for Boishaai throughout the afternoon. Time and again, the hosts marched forward with authority, laying the platform for a relentless attacking display.

On the flank, Xander de Beer was immense in the loose exchanges and delivered a tireless performance at the breakdowns. The dynamic loose forward scored twice and consistently disrupted Boishaai’s possession with crucial turnovers at key moments of the game.

Inside centre Ruan Roux and the 8th-man Niel du Randt, who has something Juan Smith-like about him and his play, were equally influential, carrying strongly over the advantage line and giving Grey the front-foot ball they needed to apply pressure. 

Du Randt, who originally hails from Kimberley, was also rock-solid in defence; his name is certainly one that needs to be remembered.

The first points of the afternoon came through towering lock Prestan Bennett, who crashed over to open the scoring for Grey. Boishaai responded through their standout performer, 8th-man Chris Nel, whose powerful running game kept the visitors in the contest. Nel grabbed the first of his two tries after an impressive attacking movement from the Paarl outfit.

Grey capitalised almost immediately as versatile and multi-talented sportsman Eddie Mabena added another try before Crous rounded off a slick move to send the hosts into the halftime break with a deserved 19-7 lead.

Grey College continued to pile on the pressure after the restart and stretched their advantage when De Beer powered over for his first try of the afternoon.

Chris Nel scoring the first of his two tries for Boishaai. Photo: Morgan Piek

To their credit, Boishaai refused to fade away. Nel produced a moment of brilliance to score his second try before blindside flank Luhan Hattingh barged over to suddenly cut the deficit to just three points at 24-21.

With momentum briefly swinging in the visitors’ favour, Grey needed a response- and once again it came through De Beer. The openside flank delivered the decisive blow with his second try to seal a memorable victory for the Bloemfontein powerhouse and ignite celebrations among the home supporters.

Grey’s next assignment will be one of their toughest of the season as they travel to Pretoria to meet Affies (Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool) – the team that recently edged Boishaai 40-37 at the Wildeklawer Festival in Kimberley. The old rivals, Affies and Grey, will lock horns on 16 May.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg